Cajeput oil

Cajeput oil(cajeput oil) is produced by steam distillation from the leaves and twigs of the cajeptu tree(Melaleuca leucadendra) and the Melaleuca quinquenervia tree. Cajeput oil should not be confused with tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) or niauli oil (Melaleuca viridiflora). Cajeput oil is used to treat colds, headaches, toothaches and tumors, to loosen phlegm so that it can be coughed up and as a tonic. Some people apply cajeput oil to the skin for horn mite infestations and a fungal infection known as bran lichen.

Cajeput oil is also used on its own or in combination with other ingredients in commercially available antiseptic lotions to treat rheumatic joint pain and other aches and pains. Some people inhale cajeput oil as an expectorant. In the field of dentistry, cajeput oil is used to relieve gum pain after the extraction or loss of a tooth. Very small amounts of cajeput oil are used as a flavoring agent in foods and drinks.

How does cajeput oil work?

Cajeput oil contains a chemical called cineole. When cineole is applied to the skin, it can cause heat and irritation on the surface of the skin, which can relieve pain underneath the skin.

How effective is cajeput oil?

There is not enough scientific information to assess the effectiveness of cajeput oil for toothache, colds, headaches, as an expectorant to help clear phlegm and tumors, applied to the skin for fungal infections and rheumatic joint pain, and when used as a tonic. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cajeput oil in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Cajeput oil may be safe and harmless for most people when applied in medicinal amounts to uninjured skin, but it can cause allergic reactions. Very small amounts of cajeput oil are probably safe and harmless when added to food as a flavoring agent. However, nothing is known about the safety and harmlessness of taking larger amounts orally. It may not be safe to inhale cajeput oil, as cajeput oil may cause respiratory problems.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of cajeput oil during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid cajeput oil.

Children: Cajeput oil should not be inhaled by children and should not be applied to children's facial skin as it could cause serious respiratory problems.

Asthma: Inhaling cajeput oil could trigger an asthma attack.

Interactions

At this time, there is no information on interactions of cajeput oil with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of cajeput oil depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for cajeput oil. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.